Korean: 포름알데하이드 · CAS 50-00-0 · Functions: antimicrobial, denaturant, preservative
Restricted MFDS restricted ingredients
Conditions (official MFDS text, Korean):
Trace : 포름알데하이드(2000㎍/g이하, 물휴지는 20㎍/g이하)
Source: MFDS — cosmetic ingredient use restrictions · checked Oct 16, 2026
Prohibited Annex II/1577
Source: EU CosIng — Annex II · checked Oct 17, 2026
Banned in some U.S. states MD-HB643
Conditions: Maryland: Public Health - Cosmetic Products - Ingredient Prohibition (HB 643, Chapter 490, Laws of Maryland 2021) · Md. Code, Health-General §21-259.2 · In force since 2025-01-01 · intentionally added (knowingly)
Source: Maryland — Public Health - Cosmetic Products - Ingredient Prohibition (HB 643, Chapter 490, · checked Oct 16, 2026
Banned in some U.S. states CA-TFCA
Conditions: California: Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (AB 2762, Ch. 314, Stats. 2020), as amended by AB 496 (Ch. 441, Stats. 2023), AB 60 'Musk Reduction Act' (Ch. 432, Stats. 2025) and SB 39 (Ch. 208, Stats. 2025) · Cal. Health & Safety Code §108980 (subd. (a) 2025 list; (b) 2027 list; (c) musk ketone; (d) trace exemption; (f) boric acid suppositories) · In force since 2025-01-01 · intentionally added
Source: California — Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (AB 2762, Ch. 314, Stats. 2020), as amended by AB 496 ( · checked Oct 16, 2026
Banned in some U.S. states IL-PA104-0545
Conditions: Illinois: Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Act (HB 3409, Public Act 104-0545) · Public Act 104-0545 §15 · From 2028-07-01 · intentionally added
Source: Illinois — Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Act (HB 3409, Public Act 104-0545) · checked Oct 16, 2026
Banned in some U.S. states WA-TFCA
Conditions: Washington: Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (Substitute House Bill 1047, Chapter 455, Laws of 2023) and Cosmetic Products Restrictions Rule (ch. 173-339 WAC, WSR 25-18-057, eff. 2025-09-28) · RCW 70A.560.005-.900 (2023 c 455); WAC 173-339-110 · In force since 2025-01-01 · intentionally added
Source: Washington — Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (Substitute House Bill 1047, Chapter 455, Laws of 2023) · checked Oct 16, 2026
Banned in some U.S. states VT-ACT131
Conditions: Vermont: Act 131 of 2024 (S.25) — Chemicals in Cosmetic and Menstrual Products · 9 V.S.A. §2494b · In force since 2026-01-01 · intentionally added
Source: Vermont — Act 131 of 2024 (S.25) — Chemicals in Cosmetic and Menstrual Products · checked Oct 16, 2026
Banned in some U.S. states OR-SB546
Conditions: Oregon: Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (SB 546, Or. Laws 2023 ch. 575) · ORS 431A.345 · From 2027-01-01 · intentionally added
Source: Oregon — Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (SB 546, Or. Laws 2023 ch. 575) · checked Oct 16, 2026
Banned in some U.S. states VA-HB122
Conditions: Virginia: Toxin-Free Cosmetics (HB 122, 2026 Acts ch. 910) · Va. Code §59.1-574.2 · In force since 2026-07-01 · intentionally added
Source: Virginia — Toxin-Free Cosmetics (HB 122, 2026 Acts ch. 910) · checked Oct 16, 2026
How Formaldehyde is treated in 5 more markets, from the overseas cosmetic regulation database compiled by Korea's MFDS. Always confirm with the regulator of that country before selling there.
| Market | Status | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| CN China | Restricted | MFDS summary (Korean): <사용제한성분> * 【제한】 적용 및 사용범위 : 손톱강화제 사용 * 【화장품 중 최대사용농도】 배합한도 (일반) : 5%(포름알데히드로 계산) * 기타 제한조건 및 요구사항 : 농도가 0.05%를 초과 시 포름알데히드 함유량을 표기해야 함 * 라벨에 반드시 표기해야하는 사용조건과 주의사항 : 포름알데히드 함유: 유지를 이용하여 표피를 보호 <사용제한 방부제> * 【화장품 중 최대사용농도】 배합한도 (일반) : 총량 0.2%(포름알데히드유리로 계산) * 기타 제한조건 및 요구사항 : 스프레이제품에 사용금지 |
| AS ASEAN (10 countries) | Restricted | MFDS summary (Korean): * 【Restrictions】 Field of application and/or use : Nail hardeners * 제한 【사용 범위】 : 네일 경화제 * 【Restrictions】 Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 2.2% calculated as formaldehyde * 제한 【완제품에서 허용된 최대 농도】 : 폼알데하이드로서 계산했을 때 2.2% * 【Restrictions】 Other limitations and... |
| JP Japan | Restricted | — |
| TW Taiwan | Restricted | — |
| CA Canada | Restricted | 【Restrictions】 Conditions of Use by product type : (a) Not permitted in aerosol products. (b) Non-aerosol products that release formaldehyde vapours when used according to directions. (c) Oral products (d) Non-oral products as a preservative (e) Nail hardeners, must be sold with nail shields and directions for use. 【Restrictions】 Maximum Concentration Permitted : (b) 0.01% (c) 0.1% (d) 0.2%... |
Source: MFDS cosmetic ingredient use restrictions — overseas regulations · checked Oct 16, 2026
FORMALDEHYDE 포름알데하이드
Information only, not medical advice. Rules change — always check the linked official source. If you are pregnant, have a skin condition or allergies, ask a dermatologist or pharmacist.
In the EU's CosIng records it is listed as “Prohibited” (EU CosIng — Annex II).
In Korea's MFDS records it is listed as “Restricted” (MFDS — cosmetic ingredient use restrictions). A restricted ingredient is allowed within the stated conditions.
In the FDA's records it is listed as “Banned in some U.S. states” (Maryland — Public Health - Cosmetic Products - Ingredient Prohibition (HB 643, Chapter 490,).
The EU's CosIng inventory lists its functions as: antimicrobial, denaturant, preservative.
Korea's MFDS standard Korean name is 포름알데하이드.
CAS 50-00-0 (from official records).